Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Copyright. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2. What is Valentina? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.1. Download.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.2. Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.3. Contacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
6. Program interface, basic functions. Getting started. The order of construction of the drawing. . . 24
6.3. Getting started. The drawing object point, its label and parameters of the point.
Parameters of objects in the program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.4. The procedure for constructing a drawing. The sequence of operations in the program. . . . . 24
7.1.1. Measurements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
9.1.3. Creating the internal path of the piece. Parameters of the internal path. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
10. Layout of pattern pieces, saving the pattern file, paper printing of the pattern. Final
measurements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
1
Copyright.
Copyright © Roman Telezhynskyi and Olga Krasnyashchikh, 2019
Published in English language: "Program for creating and modeling clothing patterns “Valentina”",
v1.4, 2019-11-15
All rights reserved. This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or
otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other
than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being
imposed on the subsequent subscriber.
The same condition applies to the preview free version, as well as to further and subsequent
translations of this book and its preview version in any other language.
2
Chapter 1. Introduction.
The development of computer technology and the widespread expansion of the Internet has
changed our lives forever. Many areas of our lives have been radically transformed. In this very
dynamic time, considering the opportunities that computer technology offers us is a matter of life
and death for industries and individual enterprises. Many of them have already taken up the
challenge and successfully adapted to these new conditions. Others have only taken too meagre
steps to realize their full potential.
As for the garment industry, things are not going as fast as we would like them to. Not all industry
has yet realized the importance of this transition. Because of the complexity of the solutions, their
cost, the fragmentation and the general weakness of information literacy, integration takes place at
a much smaller pace. Most of the time, it is quite difficult to convince your interlocutor that it
makes sense to study and use one of the available solutions. Major players have long recognized the
importance of this transition, but the solutions available to them, because of their high cost, are not
available to most.
In many industries, the solution to the problem of high software costs has become developing
free/open source software. If you were interested in the history of the GNU/Linux operating system,
you know what prompted its authors to create a fundamentally new operating system. The
proliferation of proprietary software has created a new problem for the end user. In pursuit of
profit, in order to protect their intellectual property, software developers try to limit user rights as
much as possible. Many people disagree with this approach and try to change the situation
somehow. They decided to offer users softwares that anyone can distribute and modify at their own
discretion.
Currently, open source projects are successfully used in various industries. In practice, they have
shown their effectiveness in difficult situations. Some source code projects are undisputed leaders
in their field. Others successfully compete with proprietary solutions and due to this competition
improve the quality of software solutions in general. Examples of successful open source projects
include operating systems, Internet browsers, office suites, graphics editors, web servers and much
more.
People around the world have realized how much it is important that solutions are accessible in
order to continue progress. Successful experiences in other industries have inspired us to follow
the same path, and create by common work an accessible software for everyone.
The book you hold is unique. It provides the first complete description of all the functions of the
open source project "Valentina" in English. We thank you for purchasing this user manual and thus
supporting the further development of the project. Without you, further development of the project
would be impossible.
The purpose of this book is to familiarize the reader with the basics of working in the program, a
detailed description of all the functions and operations that may seem ambiguous. It is designed for
people familiar with the design of clothing, as well as having good computer skills. Use it to put
your knowledge into practice and enter a new digital era.
3
Chapter 2. What is Valentina?
"Valentina" (Valentina) is a cross-platform software for drawing patterns using traditional methods
and 2D system, which allows patternmakers and designers to design and fashion their own
patterns of clothing. The program allows to create patterns using both standard (multi-
dimensional) as well as individual measurements tables. Valentina combines new technologies with
traditional methods, which makes this program truly unique.
A catastrophically insufficient number of computer tools for creating patterns is available. Many
people, faced with a similar task, resort to using CAD-systems or graphic editors. However, it is
obvious that these programs were originally designed for completely different purposes and cannot
be effectively used to accomplish specific tasks (for example, adding seam allowances). Adaptation
of such systems to the needs of patternmaking is only a partial solution. Even after adaptation, such
programs can be used for qualitative creation of patterns in one size, but quickly adapting the
pattern to another person in another size becomes difficult. The pattern has to be re-created from
scratch. At this stage, "Valentina" proves to be indispensable. Properly designed patterns must allow
simple change of parameters (for example, other dimensional values), to achieve automatic
adjustment in accordance with the new values, and to get the same product for another person
from a different size, without having to build the pieces again manually, nor having to use other
methods of gradation.
“Valentina” provides a system allowing to generate templates, where the lengths and positions of
lines in a drawing are set independently by using mathematical formulas, functions, and
conditional operators. This makes the program suitable for all clothing design techniques.
At the moment the program is moving towards suitability for use in the garment industry.
However, "Valentina" is a universal program and can be used not only in production, but also in
small studios, for training, and by private tailors and sewing lovers. It facilitates the work of tailors
and reduces the time spent on tailoring.
4
Chapter 3. Downloading and installing the
program, contacts.
3.1. Download.
"Valentina" is a cross-platform software. Therefore, the user is provided several versions of
installers and packages for different operating systems. All officially supported packages can be
downloaded on the official website of the project - https://valentinaproject.bitbucket.io.
Windows users can check the publisher’s identity of the program at startup. When Windows (in its
modern versions) requests confirmation, information on the publisher is provided at the same
time.
There are two branches to choose from when downloading the program:
• Stable, tested, well functioning version (current release is 0.6.1). This suits to users who don’t
want to deal with a lot of errors, but do not care about not obtaining the newest functions;
• Regular builds of the test version. The test version includes new additional features and
functions, but at the same time it may contain errors. The test version is regularly updated and
corrected, new publications are provided on Mondays. It is recommended to choose the test
version only if you want to participate in testing or you need new features and do not want to
wait for the next release.
5
Pay attention to the names of the downloaded files, they can also tell you a lot
about the program. Each such file has information about the version of the
program, OS requirements, the program architecture (32 or 64 bit), special marks
about the build status (alpha or beta), as well as time marks. For example, this is
the name that the test version file may have: valentina_0.7.0.0a-
20190306101946_i386.exe.
Files created in newer versions of the program are not likely to open in older
versions. In contrast, new versions of the program fully support files created in
older versions.
The project uses a classic numbering scheme. The version numerical label consists
of three numbers separated by a dot: for example, 0.6.1. The first number refers to
the older version (major), the second one to the minor version, the third one to
minor changes (such as maintenance, micro). At the moment, the older version is
not used, because it should indicate the implementation of all functions and the
maturity of the project. The minor version indicates a release. The third refers to
correction(s) within the release. Such corrections do not carry any new functions
since they are intended to correct detected errors. When a new version is released,
support and patches for the previous release are no longer available.
6
3.2. Installation.
To install the program, select one of the supported operating systems. The installation method
depends on which operating system you are using. In general, you will be prompted to download
the installer, package, or connect the repository.
Windows OS users are provided a dedicated installer, they just have to follow the instructions of
installation on their computer.
Several options will be available during installation. You can choose the language
of the installer that is convenient for you, the necessary set of translations, and
you will also be able to delete the previous program settings.
This is also the case for Mac OS X users. To install the program, Mac OS X users have to download
the archive with the program, open it and move the program icon to the programs folder.
Users of Linux distributions are provided dedicated packages, some of which are available from
native repositories.
The program provides information to the user when updates are released, for both stable and test
versions (this works only when online). This information is displayed by a specific message when
the program is launched.
Then, when clicking the "Get Updates" button, the user is taken to the official website of the
"Valentina" project, where he can select and download the appropriate installation file.
It is also possible to check for updates and see the characteristics of the installed version of the
program through the program window (Help › About Valentina - button “Check for updates”).
7
Uninstalling the program to upgrade a previously installed version is not required, the files of the
previous version are automatically replaced with new ones during the installation process. To do
this, you have to start the installation process of the previously downloaded update file.
Since January 2018, Windows OS users are also provided a portable version of the program. It is
suitable for those who want to test the program or experiment with several versions at once. The
portable version is provided in a single file. This file does not require installation, since it is not
registered in the system. Accordingly, it can be easily transferred from computer to computer. Using
this option has its evident disadvantages. For example, there is no automatic association with the
drawing files (this has to be set up manually). Remember also that the program always accesses the
same place to read the settings file. This makes the settings file common to all versions, consider
this when changing settings.
3.3. Contacts.
"Valentina" is not yet a fully completed software product. It is constantly updated and
supplemented. That’s why there are inevitable mistakes in it. In order to eliminate any errors and
problems in the program, it is recommended to contact the program developer directly and report
your problem.
To do this, the official website provides a list of resources and contact information.
8
9
Chapter 4. Keyboard shortcuts and mouse
actions.
4.1. Shortcut Keys.
"Valentina" supports various key combinations for allowing the most productive patternmaking
work.
The list is not complete and will be extended. Keyboard shortcuts may not work if they are already
reserved by the operating system or other system applications (e.g., Explorer). Keyboard shortcuts
are not supported in Qt-based applications in some operating systems.
Mac OS X users have to use the Command key instead of the Ctrl key.
Shortcut Action
10
Shortcut Action
11
Chapter 5. General overview of the program,
review of measurements and settings.
Starting from this section, the user manual describes how the program works on a desktop
computer, using the example of the operating system Windows 7. Features of working with other
operating systems will be noted separately when necessary.
In the Mac OS X version, as well as the portable version, Tape is not provided as a
separate application. Opening the file of measurements and, accordingly, the
launch of Tape, is done through the launch of Valentina.
Valentina displays a working field including different drawing tools. When launching Valentina,
this field is inactive. The field is activated when creating a new drawing or opening a pre-existing
file containing a previously drafted pattern. Hints are displayed at the bottom left of the window
during the user’s work for his convenience.
12
Tape application contains a database of the main known measurements that exist in various design
techniques. Open it for complete study.
All measurements in the database are divided into convenient groups. When pressing any measure,
the program displays a hint image next to its name. When working with the program, each user can
choose amongst all measures provided by the database and select only the necessary ones for his
purpose by checking the boxes in front of them, then create a separate file from them. If necessary
measures are not available in the database, individual measurements labelled as whatever may be
created. Detailed description - in p. 7.1.2, “Create a file with measurements.”.
13
A measurements filter field is located at the top of the measurements base window. Type in this
field the some letters of a word characterising a needed measurement. The program searches for
matches not only in the names and text of measurements, but also in the descriptions of all
measurements of the database.
14
You can start working with Valentina from any measurements file. If you start working with a
drawing file, you can create a measurement file as you go along: you can open the created
measurement file from the drawing file or create a new measurement file - see p. 7.1.2, “Create a
file with measurements.”.
Valentina and Tape have to be configured separately. Both programs have their own default
settings, you can leave them unchanged, or change those settings and add your own data for a more
correct and complete work in the program.
To set up the preferences in pattern files, go to the working area in the File › Preferences.
The "Preferences" window displays global settings of the program. It is necessary to configure these
settings for further good work.
• Configuration;
• Pattern;
• Paths.
15
The "Configuration" section contains two sub-windows labelled "general" and "scrolling".
The General tab contains all general settings of the program to configure. The basic settings are
clear and standard and can be left as default.
To change the program interface language, select a language from the "GUI
language" list and click the [ Apply ] button.
Choosing a "patternmaking system" does not affect the course of drawings. The
function of this option is only to provide the names of famous measurements in
various pattern systems. If the list does not contain the name of the system you are
using, you can leave the default value.
The “Interface language” list allows you to configure the current language of the program interface.
By default, your operating system settings will be activated. The program will select it if supported.
If your system language is not available, the interface language will be English. Also note that the
list of the supported languages may not be "complete" if the appropriate languages were not
selected during the installation. The list of languages is generated automatically every time the
settings dialog window is opened, and if there are no necessary files, these languages will disappear
from the list.
"Valentina", as many programs, displays windows for confirmation of actions. For example, when
deleting objects, the program asks for confirmation of deletion: "Do you really want to delete?".
16
If you check the box in front of the "Don’t ask anymore" line, this window will not appear again.
However, if you want to return back such warning windows in the program again, you have just to
press the "Reset warnings" button in the program settings and these windows will appear on the
screen again.
The program supports "Free curve" optimization. This mode is designed to make the user’s work
more comfortable when manipulating large drawings. Recalculation and updating of the drawing
after curve modification will occur only after the user will have released the left mouse button, that
is will have released a curve. This mode is enabled by default. This function speeds up the
responsiveness of the curve. This mode is disabled by unchecking the corresponding box.
When working with drawings in the program, it is possible to scale the drawing for convenience of
use; when double-clicking with the left mouse button on the working area, the drawing completely
fits on it ("zoom fit best" function). This mode is enabled by default (see the check mark in "Double-
click calls Zoom fit best for current pattern piece" line). However, sometimes when working
with a sensitive mouse, or when the user is inexperienced and bothered by this mouse behavior, it
is recommended to disable this mode. To do this, uncheck the box before the corresponding line in
this section of the program settings.
The "Scrolling" tab contains the mouse settings for comfortable work with the program. These
settings apply to touch as well as wheel mouses.
This tab contains default settings, set empirically by the developers of the program, which you can
leave the same or change if something affects the mouse job. The mouse scale and acceleration
values can be freely changed as needed. It is however recommended to keep the default animation
17
settings, or to change them with caution.
Animation:
• animation duration is set in milliseconds - the higher the value, the longer and smoother the
scrolling will be (available interval is 100-1000 ms).
• update interval is set in milliseconds - this determines after which time interval the next scroll
step will occur.
The scale mouse determines the speed of scrolling and, therefore, the speed of the drawing
movement on the screen. It has been empirically determined that the original scrolling value was
not enough. In such cases, the scale mouse options may help. Depending on the type of mouse used,
you can increase or decrease the zoom values to get the desired scroll speed (the available interval
is from 1 to 100).
Scrolling:
• acceleration - the more active the scrolling is, the higher the speed will be, and the faster the
drawing will move around the screen.
The scrolling speed normally remains the same, regardless of how actively the wheel itself is
scrolled. In the program, uniform motion speed is achieved by setting the acceleration value to 1.
When the acceleration value exceeds 1, this forces uneven movement speed on the screen
depending on the activity of the mouse movement. For wheel mouses users, this means that the
higher acceleration of the wheel, the higher the speed at which the drawing moves across the
screen from one object to another, will be. When reducing the speed of the wheel, the movement of
the drawing on the screen will automatically decrease. The acceleration function is convenient for
large drawings when it is necessary to cover significant "distances", for example, to get from one
end of the drawing to another. The available setting interval is from 1 to 10.
The section "Pattern" contains all general settings of the patterns drawing and pieces.
18
If the “Use antialiasing” box is checked, the program will smooth lines when they will be drafted.
This option should be unchecked if the user has an old computer with a weak video card. Disabling
this option does not affect print quality of patterns, this function determines only the drafted lines
quality on the computer screen.
The program supports "OpenGL render". By default, this feature is disabled, as it may cause
unstable process. A compatible video card is required to obtain correct OpenGL render. It allows
you to transfer drawing operations to the video card side and, thus, free up CPU resources.
If the screen turns black, it means that your configuration does not allow using
this feature. Just disable this function in the global settings of the program to go on
working.
The curve approximation scale command applies to curves and arcs (except for elliptical arcs).
The higher the scale, the more accurately and smoothly the curve will be drawn. But the program
has to work with a greater number of points. And at the same time it takes more time to process,
which will affect performance. Possible values are from 0.1 to 10.0. The default value is quite small,
that is - 0.5. It is possible both to set the value globally (in this settings box), as well as change the
value for a particular curve (in the curve parameters, while working on a particular drawing); in
this case, the "zero" value corresponds to the global value. That is, if you set the approximation
value on the drawing to 0.0 for a particular curve, this value will not be 0, but the value that you
have previously set in the global settings of the program. For an approximation scale example, see
in the figure in paragraph 6.1.
19
Setting too small approximation values may affect the accuracy of the calculations.
Line width in the drawing. There are only two types of lines in Valentina: thick and thin. Bold lines
are used to highlight objects when performing some actions. In all other cases, only thin lines are
visible. Adjusting the line thickness allows you to adjust the width of the bold lines to your needs.
Values from 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm inclusive are allowed. The default value is 1.2 mm. The thin line
width is automatically 1/3 of the bold one. When the line width value is changed, the radius of the
point and the direction indicators of the curves widths are affected as well. NOTE: "Valentina" does
not allow you to set arbitrary line widths for different parts of the drawing, as in conventional CAD
systems or vector editors. But you can achieve this in other ways, by selecting any object in the
drawing and choosing amongst different line types (including different dotted lines) and different
line colors in the parameters toolbox of the selected object.
When checking "Forbid flipping" box, all the pieces in the layout and prints are prevented from
flipping (this can be compared with turning the paper pattern on the reverse side - face down).
If checking the "Show second passmark on the seam line" box, the set notches will be displayed
twice on the patterns: on the pattern sewing line and on the seam allowance line.
If checking "Hide main path" line, in all the pattern pieces, the contours of the drafted patterns
will not be visible, but only the seam allowances paths. Thus, the pieces will be printed according to
the seam allowance only.
The bottom of the window displays the string "Known Materials". If you press the "Manage"
button, an additional window opens, where you can add all materials used in the work. Process as
follows:
2. Type the material name in the line below. Automatically this material is displayed at the top of
the window.
3. Repeat these 2 steps as many times as necessary to add all the materials.
4. Click [ OK ].
20
Later on, you can select the desired material from this list in the pattern properties or the pieces
options, and the information about it will be displayed on the pattern pieces (for more information,
see p. 9.1.9, “Inscriptions on pattern pieces. Creating label templates.”.
21
The "Paths" section allows to set up the paths to the files loaded by the program.
The Tape properties window is similar, but contains fewer sections and settings.
The “Paths” sections of both Valentina and Tape program files are interdependent. If you change
paths parameters in one program, these changes will immediately apply in the other application.
22
5.3. Setting the pattern properties.
In addition to the preferences of the program itself, you can also configure the properties of the
pattern - File › Pattern Properties. This section stores information common to all the pieces of a
single pattern file. After filling in the settings in this window and the template settings storing
information on the pieces, the necessary mentions may be displayed later on all the created pattern
pieces.
For a detailed discussion of this issue - see p. 9.1.9, “Inscriptions on pattern pieces. Creating label
templates.”.
23
Chapter 6. Program interface, basic
functions. Getting started. The order of
construction of the drawing.
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24
6.6. Deleting objects.
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25
Chapter 7. Creating a measurement file.
Increments and calculated values. Import of
measurements. Export measurements and
increments.
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7.1.1. Measurements.
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Chapter 8. Drawing and operation tools.
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8.3.2. "Simple Split Curve" tool.
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8.4.2. "Segmenting an arc" tool.
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8.5.1. "Elliptical arc" tool.
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Chapter 9. Creating pattern details and
actions with details.
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9.1.3. Creating the internal path of the piece. Parameters of the internal
path.
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Custom seam allowance
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"Corners" design.
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9.3. Actions with created pieces.
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35
Chapter 10. Layout of pattern pieces, saving
the pattern file, paper printing of the
pattern. Final measurements.
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File formats for export.
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37
Chapter 11. Errors in drawings when
working with the program.
As with any drawing program, the user may experience various kinds of errors when working in
"Valentina". And as the drawings in the Valentina program are parametrical, errors often arise
when new measurements are loaded into a previously drafted pattern. This often happens when
working with individual measurements.
A correct bodice block has been built, based on the measurements of a first customer.
However, when loading the measurements of another customer into this drawing, this results in
frequent distortions of the drawing as well as potential obvious errors.
38
The following figure shows that an error has occurred when the drawing was rebuilt on other
measurements.
In order to attract the attention of the designer to the error, before changing the drawing,
“Valentina” displays a warning window. Its emergence clearly signals the existence of problems in
the drawing. This window will appear on the screen until the error is fixed.
The list of error situations is constantly updated. This function will be fully
functional only from version 0.7.
The warning window gives a hint to the user what kind of error has occurred. This helps to quickly
find the error and fix it.
39
In this example, two arcs and their point of intersection were built in the drawing. When changing
the measurements, the arcs have diverged and can no longer have intersection points. This is an
error. The program does not know how to place the previously built arc intersection point (e.i.,
point З_п) on the arcs that do not intersect anymore. In order not to interrupt the drawing creation
and to give the designer an opportunity to correct the error, such points, affected by an error, are
placed at the beginning of coordinates (0:0).
When clicking on the point placed at the origin, you can visually identify the two arcs and fix the
error.
40
In this case, to correct the error, one of the arcs must be lengthened so that the two arcs cross each
other again, and the point З_п can be placed at their intersection by the program.
41
So, there are no more errors in the drawing. Further, it remains to slightly correct the drawing by
making the necessary additions, to adjust the smoothness of the curves, and the pattern with the
new measurements is ready.
Errors that occur when using these tools are fixed in the same way as in the above example.
Also in the "Valentina" program, errors of a different kind may occur: distortion of some piece seam
allowance.
The correction of this error is described in detail in the chapter "Creating the main path of a
42
pattern".
The next likely type of error may be caused by an unsupported version of the pattern file format.
As the development process continues, the project team is constantly adding new changes to the file
format, which allows you to use new features and improve existing ones. To separate different sets
of changes, these are grouped by numbers, thus forming the different versions of file formats. Each
version of the program has a minimum and maximum version that it supports. If you encounter
such an error, you have to install a newer version of the program in order to open the file.
Typically, such errors occur when users return to the stable version after using the test version, or
download a file created on the test version.
Here are some tips on how to try to restore a pattern file: To do this, you must carefully read the
error message and understand the principles of the file working.
Since the pattern file is a regular text file, it can be opened in a text editor such as Notepad. In
general, the structure of the pattern file is as follows:
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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<pattern>
<!--Pattern created with Valentina v0.6.2.0
(https://valentinaproject.bitbucket.io/).-->
<version>0.7.12</version>
<unit>cm</unit>
<description/>
<notes/>
<measurements/>
<increments/>
<previewCalculations/>
<draw name="Piece 1">
<calculation/>
<modeling/>
<details/>
</draw>
<draw name="Piece 2">
<calculation/>
<modeling/>
<details/>
</draw>
</pattern>
As you can see, in this example, the file includes two pattern pieces. In most cases the errors will
occur in the 'Draw' mode. It is important to remember the following: everything that is in the Layout
and Details modes is optional. Typically, Valentina reports the location of the error in the file. If the
error is located in one of the above mentioned modes, you can try to clear their contents and create
pieces from scratch. Thus, you will lose some of your work, but you can continue to work further
with the file.
Since this method is not a panacea for all errors, we strongly recommend you to contact the
developers for support.
44
Chapter 12. Frequently asked questions.
This chapter provides short answers to frequently asked questions.
45
system supports, will do the job.
12. Why and for what reason do weird files appear when I open the Valentina program?
While working, "Valentina" creates several auxiliary types of files.
• Files with the extension .autosave are active backups, they store the latest unsaved changes.
"Valentina" creates such a file within the interval specified in the settings. If there is such a
file, the program will prompt you to restore the state of the file the next time you start.
• Files with the extension .bak are backup files. Such files are created every time you change
the file format version. For example, when switching between one version of "Valentina" to
a newer one. You can safely delete these files or, if necessary, restore files by deleting the
extension. This is nothing more than reinsurance for developers.
• Files with the extension .lock. The presence of such files signals that the file is already open
in one version of the program, and opening in another version may result in loss of data.
You can either ignore the warning or interrupt the opening. The program will delete the file
after you finish working with it. In rare cases of crashes, it may be necessary to manually
delete such a file if the program determines the file is busy and you are sure that it is not
open in another copy.
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Appendix A: Command line keys.
A.1. Valentina application command line keys.
Launch format: valentina [options] file name
Supported keys:
• -b, --basename <layout files base name> — Base file name of exported layout files. Use it to
enable export mode.
• -d, --destination <destination folder> — Path to save the exported layout. By default, the
directory in which the application is launched.
• -m, --mfile <measurements file> — Path to custom measurements file (in export mode). Use it to
open a file with a path different from the path to the measurements file initially stored inside
the file.
◦ PS file (*.ps) = 4,
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◦ AutoCAD DXF 2000 AAMA file (*.dxf) = 19,
• -e, --exportOnlyDetails — Export only pieces. Export pieces as they are in Details mode. Any
layout related options will be ignored.
• -x, --gsize <size value> — Sets the size value in the pattern file that was opened with multisize
measurements (in export mode). Valid values: 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48,
50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72 cm.
• -e, --gheight <gheight value> — Sets the height value in the pattern file that was opened with
multisize measurements (in export mode). Valid values: 50, 56, 62, 68, 74, 80, 86, 92, 98, 104, 110,
116, 122, 128, 134, 140, 146, 152, 158, 164, 170, 176, 182, 188, 194, 200 cm.
• --userMaterial <user materials> — Use this option to override the custom material defined in
the pattern. The value must be in the form <number>@<name of the user material>. The number
must be in the range of 1 to 20. For example, 1@Fabric2. The key can be used several times.еIt
has no effect in the graphical interface mode.
• -p, --pageformat <template number> — The number corresponding to the layout page format
(default = 0, in export mode):
◦ A0 = 0,
◦ A1 = 1,
◦ A2 = 2,
◦ A3 = 3,
◦ A4 = 4,
◦ Letter = 5,
◦ Legal = 6,
◦ Roll 24 inches = 7,
◦ Roll 30 inches = 8,
◦ Roll 36 inches = 9,
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◦ Roll 62 inch = 13,
• -W, --pagew <page width> — Page width in current units, e.g. 12.0 (cannot be used with
"pageformat", in export mode).
• -H, --pageh <page height> — Page height in current units, e.g. 12.0 (cannot be used with
"pageformat", in export mode).
• -U, --pageunits <units of measure> — Page units (in export mode). Allowed values: mm, cm,
inch, px.
• -i, --ignoremargins — Ignore printer margins (in export mode). Use it if you want to use the
entire paper space. In case of subsequent printing, you have to consider the margins yourself.
• -L, --lmargin <printer left margin> — Printer left margin in the current units, for example, 3.0
(in export mode). If not set, the default printer value will be used, or the 0 value if no printer is
found.
• -R, --rmargin <printer right margin> — Printer right margin in the current units, for example
3.0 (in export mode). If not set, the default printer value will be used, or the 0 value if no printer
is found.
• -T, --tmargin <Printer top margin> — Printer top margin in the current units, for example 3.0
(in export mode). If not set, the default printer value will be used, or the 0 value if no printer is
found.
• -B, --bmargin <printer bottom margin> — Printer bottom margin in the current units, for
example 3.0 (in export mode). If not set, the default printer value will be used, or the 0 value if
no printer is found.
• -r, --rotate <angle> — Rotation in degrees (one of the predefined, export mode). The default
value is 180; if set to 0, no rotation. Valid values: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 24, 30, 36,
40, 45, 60, 72, 90, 180. Each value shows how many times the pattern will be rotated. For
example, using 180 implies 2 rotations by 180 degrees (360/180 = 2).
• -u, --unite — Merge pages if possible (in export mode). The maximum value is limited by the
QImage class, which only supports a maximum of 32768x32768 pixels of the image.
• -S, --savelen — Save the sheet length (in export mode). The program is told to use the
maximum possible sheet width. The layout quality may be negatively affected when using this
option.
• -l, --layounits <layout units> — Layout units (same units as paper units, except px, export
mode).
• -s, --shiftlen <shift length> — Shift value in the layout, expressed in the units of the layout
(export mode). This option defines the maximum distance between the pieces.
• -G, --gapwidth <gap width> — Layout gap width x2, expressed in layout units (in export mode).
Sets the distance between pieces.
• -g, --groups <priority type> — Sets the type of pieces selection order based on their area (in
export mode):
49
◦ Two groups: large, small = 1;
• -t, --test — Runs the program in test mode. In this mode, the program loads one pattern file
and silently exits without showing the main window. The key has priority over the basename key.
• --pedantic — Translates all parsing warnings into errors. This works only in console mode. Use
it to force Valentina to shut down immediately if the pattern contains a warning on parsing.
• --csvCodec <codec name>-- Indicates the codec that will be used to store data in a CSV file. List of
supported codecs provided by Qt. The default value depends on the system. On Windows, the
codec will be based on the system locale. On Unix systems, the codec may revert to using the
iconv library if no built-in codec for the locale is found. Acceptable values (examples):
◦ US-ASCII,
◦ ISO-8859-1,
◦ ISO-8859-2,
◦ ISO-8859-3,
◦ ISO-8859-4,
◦ ISO-8859-5,
◦ ISO-8859-6,
◦ ISO-8859-7,
◦ ISO-8859-8,
◦ ISO-8859-9,
◦ ISO-8859-10,
◦ ISO-2022-JP-1,
◦ Shift_JIS,
◦ EUC-JP,
◦ US-ASCII,
◦ windows-949,
◦ ISO-2022-KR,
◦ windows-949,
◦ ISO-2022-JP,
◦ ISO-2022-JP-2,
◦ GBK,
◦ ISO-8859-6,
50
◦ ISO-8859-6,
◦ ISO-8859-8,
◦ ISO-8859-8,
◦ ISO-2022-CN,
◦ ISO-2022-CN-EXT,
◦ UTF-8,
◦ ISO-8859-13,
◦ ISO-8859-14,
◦ ISO-8859-15,
◦ GBK,
◦ GB18030,
◦ UTF-16,
◦ UTF-32,
◦ SCSU,
◦ UTF-7,
◦ UTF-16BE,
◦ UTF-16LE,
◦ UTF-16,
◦ CESU-8,
◦ UTF-32,
◦ UTF-32BE,
◦ UTF-32LE,
◦ BOCU-1,
◦ hp-roman8,
◦ Adobe-Standard-Encoding,
◦ IBM850,
◦ IBM862,
◦ IBM-Thai,
◦ Shift_JIS,
◦ GBK,
◦ Big5,
◦ macintosh,
◦ IBM037,
◦ IBM273,
◦ IBM277,
51
◦ IBM278,
◦ IBM280,
◦ IBM284,
◦ IBM285,
◦ IBM290,
◦ IBM297,
◦ IBM420,
◦ IBM424,
◦ IBM437,
◦ IBM500,
◦ cp851,
◦ IBM852,
◦ IBM855,
◦ IBM857,
◦ IBM860,
◦ IBM861,
◦ IBM863,
◦ IBM864,
◦ IBM865,
◦ IBM868,
◦ IBM869,
◦ IBM870,
◦ IBM871,
◦ IBM918,
◦ IBM1026,
◦ KOI8-R,
◦ HZ-GB-2312,
◦ IBM866,
◦ IBM775,
◦ KOI8-U,
◦ IBM00858,
◦ IBM01140,
◦ IBM01141,
◦ IBM01142,
◦ IBM01143,
52
◦ IBM01144,
◦ IBM01145,
◦ IBM01146,
◦ IBM01147,
◦ IBM01148,
◦ IBM01149,
◦ Big5-HKSCS,
◦ IBM1047,
◦ windows-1250,
◦ windows-1251,
◦ windows-1252,
◦ windows-1253,
◦ windows-1254,
◦ windows-1255,
◦ windows-1256,
◦ windows-1257,
◦ windows-1258,
◦ TIS-620,
◦ TSCII.
• --csvSeparator <separator character> — Specifies the csv separator character. The default value
is ,. Valid symbols:
◦ Tab,
◦ ;,
◦ Space,
◦ ,.
• --csvExportFM <path to the CSV file> — Calling this command includes the final measurements
in the export CSV file. Specify the path to the CSV file with the final measurements. The path
must contain the path to the directory and the file name. It can be absolute or relative. In case of
a relative path, the current working directory will be used.
◦ A0 = 0,
◦ A1 = 1,
◦ A2 = 2,
◦ A3 = 3,
◦ A4 = 4,
53
◦ Letter = 5,
◦ Legal = 6.
• --tiledlmargin <printer left margin> — Printer left margin in the current units, for example 3.0
(in export mode). If not set, the default value will be 1 cm.
• --tiledrmargin <Printer right margin> — Printer right margin of the tiled page in the current
units, for example 3.0 (in export mode). If not set, the default value will be 1 cm.
• --tiledtmargin <Printer top margin> — Printer top margin of the tiled page in the current units,
for example 3.0 (in export mode). If not set, the default value will be 1 cm.
• --tiledtmargin <Printer bottom margin> — Printer bottom margin of the tiled page in the
current units, for example 3.0 (in export mode). If not set, the default value will be 1 cm.
• --tiledLandscape — Sets the orientation of the tiled page to landscape (in export mode). The
default orientation is portrait.
Arguments:
Parameters:
• -e, --height <base height> — Opens with base height. Valid values: 50, 56, 62, 68, 74, 80, 86, 92,
98, 104, 110, 116, 122, 128, 134, 140, 146, 152, 158, 164, 170, 176, 182, 188, 194, 200 cm.
• -s, --size <base size> — Opens with base size. Valid values: 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40,
42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72 cm.
• -u, --unit <units of pattern measurements>-- Sets pattern measurements units: cm, mm or
inch.
• --test — Use it for software testing. Starts the program and opens the file without showing any
window.
• --no-scaling — Disables high-resolution scaling. Call this option if there is a scale problem (by
default, scaling is enabled).
Arguments:
• filename — Measurements file.
54